After getting braces, your mouth is full of lots of extra stuff like brackets, wires, and rubber bands. Especially at first, figuring out how to clean around all of this extra material can be a real challenge. Moreover, the extra gear can cause food materials to get caught in the mouth in places where they’re difficult to reach, and it can also partially block the natural processes that clean your gums and the roof of your mouth. Although Calgary orthodontists will tell you that dental care is a high priority at all times, people with braces must take even more care.
The main dental problem that results from having braces is the extra plaque that develop in the areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. These plaque-filled areas become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and painful swelling.
If you have braces and want to keep your teeth as clean as possible, Calgary orthodontists are great resources for all the information you need. Until your next appointment, you might want to take these basic tips into account.
Brushing frequency: Because lodged food particles are one of the most common causes of braces-related tooth problems, it’s important to brush as soon as possible after a meal. This way, you’ll get rid of those particles when they are still loose and when the mouth’s natural digestive processes are still in action.
In fact, people with braces should try to brush even more than normal. It’s a good idea to bring a toothbrush and some travel toothpaste with you anywhere you go, and to brush after lunch breaks or any other meals that you have outside of the home. Calgary orthodontists can give you advice regarding the best types of brushes and toothpastes to use for braces.
Getting all the surfaces: For teeth without braces, there are three main surfaces—the inside of teeth, the outside, and the chewing surfaces of the molars. However, with braces, the number of surfaces multiplies, which makes your work much harder. Every time you brush, be sure to get around all the little parts, and clean all the surfaces of both the teeth and the braces.
Double up on flossing: Having braces warrants twice as much time and effort put into flossing. Flossing can be much more challenging with braces, but Calgary orthodontists can show you some good tricks, and keep in mind that it gets easier with practice. It might be difficult for a while, but you’ll get the hang of it, and then it will be just as easy as brushing.
Rinse well: To help make sure you flush out any lingering food particles, rinse thoroughly with warm water after brushing and flossing. Do a few cycles to make sure you get everything.
Use mouthwash: Mouthwash is useful for clearing out bacteria and plaque from all those tiny nooks and crevices that neither brushing nor flossing can reach. When you have braces, be sure to use mouthwash at least twice a day, and swish it around in your mouth for at least a minute each time. Most Calgary orthodontists have specific types of mouthwash that they recommend.
